Hitting the right note in 2012

THIS year proved to be a steady if slightly unremarkable one for popular music in Cornwall.

Big-name gigs were few and far between and it's telling that there were hardly any votes in this year's What's On Music Awards for the Eden Sessions or Boardmasters.

It was the smaller gigs that proved of most interest with the likes of the Princess Pavilion, Bunters and Miss Peapod's pulling in a range of fascinating artists from near and far.

Perhaps the biggest surprise this year is Devoran Village Hall trouncing the competition to win the best small venue category thanks to its acoustic sessions.

Richard Willson, of Probus, summed up the feeling of many when he wrote: "The superb acoustics, the friendly, intimate atmosphere and the sheer quality of the line-up this year also makes it the best folk venue."

It's good to see some relatively new talent push the old guard from the top spots with The Beutons, Lilium and Gareth Lee all gaining mass votes for best indie band, best rock band and best male.

Andy Bellis, of The Beutons, said: "Thanks to everyone who voted for us and everyone who's been to any of our gigs this year. We're about to record our first proper EP this month with John Cornfield which we aim to release at the start of next year. Considering all the amazing bands there are in Cornwall it makes this all the more special."

While Gareth Lee added: "Big thanks to everyone that voted and have been to a show or bought an EP. Plus huge thanks to my band and all the local guys/gals who have helped me out this year with booking me for gigs, giving write-ups, doing recordings, taking photos, playing the tunes on their radio show and everyone I've gigged with. I'm really grateful to be part of an amazing music scene in Cornwall."

With some of my favourite gigs of 2012 – Wild Beasts/Alt J, Mark Lanegan, The Damned – taking place at the new-look Princess Pavilion, it is only fitting it should take the best large venue crown.

Julian Munday, of the Pavilion, said: "It's always nice to win something and this charming old venue certainly deserves a shiny award to put on its walls especially after an intense year of hosting a record number of events from pumping rock gigs, to children's workshops to humungous beer festivals. And thanks to What's On for promoting our events."

Finally, person of the year goes to Liam Jolly, a well-deserved winner.

With SW1 Productions he has been part of the team behind sell-out gigs by the likes of Ben Howard and Rizzle Kicks at Plymouth Pavilions and, on his own, Liam runs the weekly B-Side indie club night at Truro's Bunters bringing the sort of bands we'd rarely see to Cornwall. He is also a brilliant drummer and poster-boy for the Cornish music scene. And this year was more remarkable for him receiving a haircut.

So here are the results in full:

Best large venue

Winner: Princess Pavilion, Falmouth

Runner-up: Lusty Glaze, Newquay

Last year's winner: Princess Pavilion

Best small venue

Winner: Devoran Village Hall

Runner-up: Bunters, Truro

Last year's winner: Bunters

Best indie band

Winner: The Beutons

Runner-up: PJP Band

Last year's winners: Crowns, Tiger Years and Auction For The Promise Club

Best rock band

Winner: Lilium

Runner-up: Brother & Bones

Last year's winner: Everything Burns

Best male

Winner: Gareth Lee

Runners-up: Dom Youngman, Jack Wallen

Last year's winner: Ruarri Joseph

Best female

Winner: Kezia

Runner-up: Saskia Maxwell

Last year's winner: Kezia

Best festival/event

Winner: Leopallooza

Runners-up: Blues In The Bay, Falmouth; Lafrowda, St Just; Boardmasters, Newquay; Party In The Park, Penzance; St Ives September Festival